I guess we won't quite call this a game chat but there is baseball on your television tonight if you so chose to watch it as the annual Military Appreciate Game in the Arizona Fall League takes place on MLB Network. The Salt River Rafters host the Peoria Javelinas which has seven players from the Phillies organization on it's roster.
The biggest and most recognizable name is obviously catcher Cameron Rupp who saw some time with the Phillies in September and depending on how the search for a free agent catcher goes, could have plenty of time in the coming season. Rupp is having a nice fall in Peoria hitting .306/.370/.490 with a homer run and six RBIs.
For other position players we also have outfielders Aaron Altherr and Cameron Perkins. Perkins has a line of .233/.353/.395 but also leads the squad with two triples. Altherr's .189/.208/.270 isn't very inspiring but then again he plays for an organization that has had Michael Martinez for a few seasons so if he can play half decent defense, he may stick around.
The pitching situation doens't appear much better went minding the statistics. Those who tuned into the Rising Stars game on Saturday got to see Ken Giles and his rather impressive gas who has racked up some strike outs in 8.1 innings but also has his share of walks with a high ERA of 6.48 and a 1.80 WHIP. He also notched two saves.
Mike Nesseth is the only pitcher doing any starting for the Phillies and through 5 starts, has a 9.00 ERA and 2.24 WHIP. Austin Wright who has mostly served as a starter has pitched in relief in Arizona to a .623 ERA, 2.08 WHIP in eight games. Kyle Simon, famous for his mustache and being traded for a future Hall of Famer in Jim Thome, has been the most impressive of the Phillies hurlers with a 2.92 ERA and 1.22 WHIP with nine strike outs and five walks in 12.1 innings pitched. He's gotten the most work load of the relievers.
It's not just numbers in fall league but they don't hurt either as the Phillies decide who and who not to include on their 40 man roster. We'll see who sees game action tonight. There are no announced starters that I have seen but it's a nice preview to see some of what is in the organization right now. And let's face it, I need some baseball in my life.
An added note for those who are not aware, the replay they intend to use next season is on a trial run in Arizona this week.
